All,
Two weeks before my diagnosis of D, I went for a sleep study to determine if I had sleep apnea. I sure did. I stopped breathing 106 times in a 60 minute period!!
My oxygen levels were supposed to be at 90-95% but I was at 54% during sleep. I immediately went on CPAP and all I can say is that it is the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. I thought all was golden because I never woke up to go to the bathroom at night and I was fully rested with tons of energy and also a tremendous lowering of blood pressure. My happiness ended two weeks later.
On the day of my diagnosis of D(2/19/08) with and A1C of 9.8, I also received the wonderful news that I had to have my gallbladder removed. My bloodwork numbers were everywhere but in normal range. I was at 304lbs and totally depressed.
I immedately started metformin, changed my diet thanks to a dietition who is a friend of our family and regular exercise.
I made adjustments to the diet to meet my needs to fix the morning numbers I had.
When I had my gallbladder surgery, I also had a liver biopsy to determine fatty liver. Yes, you can add the fatty liver to the list as it was confirmed by the biopsy.
At that point, I didn't know how I was going to make it through any of this. My mental state completely fell apart and for the past few months I have been a mental mess.
I then sought counciling which has helped but I still have a long way to go.
I have found a lot of comfort and support from God, my wife's family, co-workers and friends.
Yesterday morning, I went to the lab for my first 3-month visit since my diagnosis. The results came back this afternoon and I left work early just so I could get them.
At first, I thought they gave me the wrong person's report but my name was at the top. All of my numbers were right in the middle of the acceptable ranges including liver enzymes now down in the mid-20's. My weight is also down to 255lbs
The numbers I am most excited about are my morning fasting BG level of 91 (111 at diagnosis) and an HbA1C of...............
5.4!!
I am sorry to brag, but I am so excited to have proven to myself over the past few months that I can deal with a lot of poo being thrown at me all at once. I am darn sure that with additional changes to my diet and exercise plans as well as continued use of my CPAP, I will continue to improve my A1C even more 3 months from now.
Best wishes to you all.
